The Line Opinion Panel on Sheryl Williams Stapleton Scandal, Return of Mask Mandates and NM United Stadium | 7.30.21

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

The Line opinion panel offers reaction to the kickback scandal now enveloping state lawmaker Sheryl Williams Stapleton. Stapleton is the House Majority Floor Leader and has served in the Roundhouse for years. The current scandal, now under investigation by the Attorney General Hector Balderas involves her job with Albuquerque Public Schools. If the accusations are true, it could have wide-ranging impacts in state government.

The Line panel also talks about the return of masks – even for vaccinated people – in some indoor environments, as well as how schools will handle the CDC’s new recommendation. New Mexico’s Public Education Department has mandated masks in elementary schools. School districts, however, can make their own – and stricter – rules, as has the Albuquerque Public Schools board, which voted 5-1 this week to require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.

The group also weighs in on a proposed $50 million bond measure to fund a stadium primarily for the New Mexico United soccer team. Mayor Tim Keller is all-in on the idea, but is public financing the right way to go about paying for it? Is it a sweetheart deal for team owners? And can such a project revitalize downtown Albuquerque?

Host:
Gene Grant

Line Guests:

Dede Feldman, former state senator Dan Foley, former state representative
Kristelle Siarza, Siarza Social Digital

For More Information:

COVID-19 Response Toolkit for New Mexico’s Public Schools – NM Public Education Dept.

APS board votes 5-1 to require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status – KOB

City releases feasibility study on sites for New Mexico United stadium – KOB

Mayor makes his case for a new soccer stadium – Albuquerque Journal

12 APS employees on leave amid Rep. Williams Stapleton investigation - KRQE

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